Chapter 515: Start of Cle (1/2)

'The realm on monsters, Totrya. I still can't get my mind around it. This place is far, far out there. I don't think people have the imagination to even comprehend the way these beings live. They eat one another and return as if nothing happened. Their bodies, strength, anything in-between, those here is smart, and those in our world are training to get strong. This is the army he built, an army that I feel could bring more than chaos. Setting that aside, I've been in this kitchen for more than a few days now. Time in here is faster than the world I know. I mean, there are even separate rooms in even darker realms where the time goes even faster. Tis conveniently dubbed, training-room. I suppose Scifer was also from another world, someone who got pulled into our mess. Mere guesses at this point, one thing is for sure. The dish I ought to present for Cle didn't compare to what Kyle made at the graduation exams. I know what I want, and here, in this unusual peaceful land, is avidly available. The image of that bear playing the lute, the dragon getting pricked for the sake of some blood…' the knife rattled away against the chopping board. Kul had her arms sprawled over a tinier table.

'I want to go,' was what came from her listless expression. It didn't matter for he used her as a tasting partner. Then and there, pulling at all the knowledge amassed and not to forget, Piglet, the minotaur chef, a dish worthy for royalty was concocted. At one point, the one behind the boiling pot seemed as if a witch making her love potions.

Another day flew out the door, '-I'm ready,' time constraint by the outside world did factor in his departure.

Four black orbs formed a rectangular doorway, ”-have a safe trip back. Do call on me whenever things get difficult,” said she waving as if a child. Vesper pressed her hands and bowed; no other word need be said. Brighter hue clawed at the corner of the room, paying no heed to the rising star, he stepped through accompanied by a lot of items.

2nd of February arrived at last. It was only yesterday where the parking lot in front of the institute felt empty, today, the whole area was booked. One could bet the cars weren't cheap either, most wore a suit and very expensive attire. The huge metallic door opened as if heaven's gate.

The vampiric castle slowly unveiled a hidden construction, an observation center to the far right. The tall and huge trees were stagnant around the premises. A nicely decorated path, made for cars too, led into the compound. The size, compared to a rather tall guard standing watch, blew those in the unknown's mind away. People of repute and power promenaded along the black silhouettes of nature. If Cle wasn't the occasion, one would almost confuse this path to be a very-well acquainted '-lover's walk'. Needless to say, the media tightly had their hands wrapped around the whole event. Red-collar chefs were already in the amphitheater. Highly critical gastronomes, accomplished chefs, owners of businesses, and a few chosen – the top of the world of cooking, sat on an elevated platform tucked away in the shadows of the theater. Cameras were placed here and there to broadcast the event. Ten cooking stations, not identical mind you, were allocated the same amount of space.

Guests arrived one by one, the seats filled in due pace.

”Yuki, Yanni, I'm glad to see my students getting along for once,” said a man in his late fifties parting the red-curtains.

”Mentor,” said the two ladies, ”-it's a pleasure to see you,” the voice might have been courteous, the gaze was but sharp daggers against the other.

”Lord Amsey, please,” said a man with a red-collar, ”-there's no need to strain thine self. Please, take a seat, the event is to start soon.”

”Good to see you too,” said Yuki, ”-Chef Agneo.”

”Yes, the feeling's mutual,” returned he coldly.

”Your husband sure hasn't changed, Yanni. He's still the cold stoic chef I remember.”

”Oh please, cut it with the reminiscing,” sighed she, ”-in other news, why did you back out the competition. Was it because my prodigy is better than yours?” she leaned onto her knees in provocation, ”-come on, tell me, how was it… the air of defeat at his prowess. Trust me,” she laughed coyly, ”-Kyle isn't just my prodigy, he was trained by Lord Amsey and my husband too.”

”Damn you…” the words went unnoticed as an army of red-collared chefs entered the room.

”Do forgive our lateness,” said they bearing the crest of the institute. A group of elite cooks around the world was bound as one. Their job, test and evaluate the meals being cooked. Those sitting at the top of the institute were people holding power and fame, mostly talent for the art of cooking. However, when the time came to judge, only the best of the best, and not a few, but many, were allowed to do so. This efficiently reduced preferential treatment and gave an overwhelming range in taste and significance.”

”We're here live from Cle,” spoke a pretty lady holding a mic, ”-the event will be broadcasted over the air once it begins,” she snuck her way across security and into the castle, ”-the top-novices around the world have been gathered here today to showcase their skills. There are no winners and no losers, all are guaranteed a spot in the cooking world. Even if it's rare, tis serves as a recruitment process for big restaurants.” Key-players moved to and fro, ”-wait,” she ran without warning, ”-excuse me, are you prince Julius?”

”How did you sneak through security?” said he amused at the prospect, ”-yes, I'm indeed the prince. Is there something the matter?”

”Please, can we have a few words before the event starts?”

”Sure, why not, just give me a moment,” the shining aura disappeared behind the corner, ”-I do apologize for the wait,” Princess Lizzie stood at his side, ”-so, how can I be of assistance?”

”I-I,” nervousness got her tongue.

”Please, don't be alarmed or in a rush.”

”Thank you,” gathering her breath, multiple figures walked past and headed for the theater. ”This is the first time we've seen the royal family of Arda get involved in Cle, is there perhaps someone thee wishes to recruit?”

”No,” said he softly, ”-I came to cheer someone very dear to us both,” he held Lizzie's hands.

”Yes, we're going to support big-brother,” she cheered, her rosy cheeks and green hair glistened at the pan of the camera, '-adorable,' thought the cameraman.

”Is the special someone a person of interest, someone we know perhaps?”